How Can I Fix The Loss of Supra-alar Crease After Rhinoplasty on One Side?

I've had 1 rinoplasty and 5 revisions. On my 4th revision, the surgeon placed a cartilage graft above left nostril to fill in a small divot. The result of that is that I now no longer have a nasal crease on the top portion of my left nostril. The last two surgeries attempted to fix this, but I still don't have a crease. Is there anyway to get the crease back? I would like it to look as close as possible to my right crease. Please! I need help! Willing to fly anywhere to fix this issue.

Doctor Answers (6)

Symmetrical supra-alar creases

June 10th, 2011

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Faces are not perfectly symmetrical and neither are noses. You have already had two revision to try to fix a minor assymmetry that most people will never notice. It sounds that this seriously bothers you but the risk of having too many surgeries is to cause a worse problem that can lead to an obvious deformity or difficulty breathing. Please consider the possible risks before flying anywhere on a promise by someone to fix something that is difficult to do and has already failed in the past.

Not easy to fix, wouldn't make the nose look that much better

June 9th, 2011

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In my opinion, this issue is one that does not have a significant negative aesthetic impact on your nose. Equally important, given your past procedures and the anatomy of this area, it would be difficult and fraught with risk to try to deepen this crease. For these reasons I would highly recommend you do not pursue treatment for this issue. In these type of situations, one must shift one's thinking from "how can I make this better" to "how can I accept and be at peace with what I have."

How Can I Fix The Loss of Supra-alar Crease After Rhinoplasty on One Side?

June 8th, 2011

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The cartilage graft can cause flattening of supra- alar crease but this is becoming a vicious circle of adding and subtracting grafts and eventually you may end up with frozen nose which is scarred down nose. We all have facial asymmetry and nasal asymmetry. You will not find a perfectly symmetric nose. Your nose look quite nice and I would not recommend further surgery.

Revision Rhinoplasty Pictures

Fixing an Alar Crease After 5 Rhinoplasty Surgeries?

June 8th, 2011

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The fact that you have had 5 previous surgeries and still have a descent looking nose is a huge success. Trying to get your nose perfect is more likely to have you with an irreversible problem rather than a perfect nose. You will find someone to operate on your nose without much effort - DON'T! Leave well enough alone and be happy that your nose looks fine as it is.

How Can I Fix The Loss of Supra-alar Crease After Rhinoplasty on One Side?

June 8th, 2011

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How long ago was your surgery? Since you have had so many surgeries it will take longer than normal for that area to contract and asses the real results.

Also, from looking at your pictures it appears that the alar crease on your right side is excessive, and you may have some collapse internally. The actual left side looks more natural. It appears your surgeon did a great job.I have noticed that many patients prefer the narrower alar crease, like in your situation. However; is not anatomically correct due to the pinching and potential nostril obstruction.

I would recommend placing a graft on the left side, although you may not like this, to improve asymmetry and function.

You may want to keep in mind that the two sides of the nose are never identical, so you may chase this issue without ever getting the result you want, especially with the fact that you have had so many surgeries, which will increase your recovery time, and prolong the final results.

Improving alar symmetry

June 7th, 2011

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To create an alar groove cartilage and/or would need to be resected and a bolster dressing used. This however may create nasal obstruction. A better option may be to graft the opposite side for better symmetry and function.

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as
a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you
have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute
or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.